Chamois for cycling shorts

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is generally directed to a chamois for cycling shorts. The chamois may include a body comprising a front and rear areas. The front area may be narrower in width than the rear area. The front are may also include a front inlet that extends rearwards from the front of the front area and is defined by two front portions of the front area that extend forwards on either side of a central axis. The rear area may include a rear inlet that extends forwards from the rear of the rear area. The rear inlet may be defined by two rear portions of the rear area that extend rearwards on either side of the central axis. The chamois may be sewn into cycling shorts and positioned such that a substantial portion of the chamois rests underneath a rider&#39;s pressure points when in the aero riding position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/320,385, titled “CHAMOIS FOR CYCLING SHORTS,” filed Mar. 16, 2022, the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a chamois to be used for cycling shorts.

BACKGROUND

Since the invention of big wheel bicycles in the 1800s, modern bicycles have evolved from primarily being used as a mode of transportation to being utilized in various athletic endeavors. However, despite this evolution, the overall geometry of the modern road bicycle has largely remained the same over this time. In particular, modern road bicycles have included a seat tube angle between 72-74 degrees for over one hundred years. This geometry means that riders rest on their ischial tuberosity—more commonly known as the “sit bones.” This orientation is generally comfortable for short, recreational rides. However, it can lead to substantial discomfort and injuries (e.g., saddle sores) when it comes to longer rides, which have become increasingly popular. For example, races around the world include endurance segments lasting multiple weeks where competitors ride between 100-150 miles per day.

In light of this issue, there has been substantial research into how to reduce discomfort and injuries. This research and development has largely focused on new types of bicycle seats. There are now hundreds of seats to choose from, including varying sizes, shapes, as well as cushioning materials and coverings. However, the seat tube angles used in bicycles manufactured worldwide have largely remained the same 72-74 degrees.

While the seat undoubtedly plays a critical role improving a rider's comfort, it is not the only tool at a rider's disposal. A parallel industry has also risen around the development of clothing for bicycle riding. In particular, clothing that includes padding designed to reduce any discomfort a rider may experience. This padding, which is generally sewn into riding shorts, is known as a chamois.

While new seat and chamois designs have helped ease some of the discomfort riders experience, they are all generally designed around the geometry of a road bike. In other words, a bike with a seat tube angle between 72-74 degrees. These are not ideal, however, for riders who ride on other types of bikes and in other types of riding positions. For example, these designs are not suitable for riders who ride triathlon specific bikes (“tri-bikes”).

Tri-bikes were first invented in 1989, and have a different geometry from road bikes. One important difference is that the seat tube angle of a tri-bike is substantially further forward compared to a road bike. In particular, tri-bikes have seat tube angles ranging between 79-82 degrees (compared to the 72-74 degrees employed in road bikes). This increased seat tube angle allows riders to more easily rotate their hips forward into what is known as the aero riding position. The aero position is utilized by riders in a variety of disciplines, and is particularly common among triathletes.

Despite the aero position being a popular choice for triathletes, it can lead to increased discomfort and saddle sores. As an athlete rotates their pelvic sit bones clockwise to get into the desired aero position, the athlete no longer sits anatomically in the same place that road bike seats and riding shorts chamois are designed for. While there has been some development of new seat designs intended to accommodate the aero position, there has not been similar development of new chamois designs to ease discomfort of riders in the aero position. As a result, riders must utilize chamois that are designed for a road bike and riders riding upright, rather in than in the forward, aero position. This leaves a substantial portion of the chamois located behind the rider's pressure points, causing discomfort and saddle sores.

There exists a need for a chamois suitable for use by riders who will ride in the aero position.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a chamois for cycling shorts comprises: a body comprising a front area and a rear area; wherein the front area has a narrower width than the rear area; wherein the front area comprises a front inlet that extends rearwards from the front of the front area; wherein the front inlet is defined by two front portions of the front area that extend forwards either side of a central axis; wherein the rear area comprises a rear inlet that extends forwards from the rear of the rear area; and wherein the rear inlet is defined by two rear portions of the rear area that extend rearwards either side of the central axis.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a chamois for cycling shorts comprises: a body; wherein the body comprises a rear portion and two front arms that extend forwards on either side of a central axis; and wherein the two front arms define a front inlet that extends rearwards from the front of the body.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description describe various embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed subject matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the various embodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the various embodiments described herein, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following is a description of the examples depicted in the accompanying drawings. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and certain features and certain views of the figures may be exaggerated in scale or in schematic for clarity or conciseness.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a chamois according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic of a chamois according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic of a chamois according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic of a chamois according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic of a chamois according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic of an example prior art chamois.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic of a chamois according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in relation to the example prior art chamois of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 shows a schematic of a chamois according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in relation to the example prior art chamois of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 9 shows a schematic of a chamois according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in relation to the example prior art chamois of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 10 shows a schematic of a chamois according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in relation to the example prior art chamois of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 11 shows a schematic of a chamois according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in relation to the example prior art chamois of FIG. 6 .

TABLE 1 Glossary of reference characters. Reference character Description 100 Chamois 102 Body 104 Front area 106 Rear area 108 Front inlet 110 Rear inlet 112 Front portion 114 Front portion 116 Rear portion 118 Rear portion 200 Chamois 202 Body 204 Front area 206 Rear area 208 Front inlet 210 Rear inlet 212 Front portion 214 Front portion 216 Rear portion 218 Rear portion 300 Chamois 302 Body 304 Front area 306 Rear area 308 Front inlet 310 Rear inlet 312 Front portion 314 Front portion 316 Rear portion 318 Rear portion 400 Chamois 402 Body 404 Rear portion 406 Front arm 408 Front arm 410 Front inlet 500 Chamois 502 Body 504 Rear portion 506 Front arm 508 Front arm 510 Front inlet 512 Buttocks area 600 Example prior art chamois 650 Midpoint

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the figures. It should be understood that the claims are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the figures. Furthermore, the appearance shown in the figures is one of many ornamental appearances that can be employed to achieve the stated functions of the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, specific details may be set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be clear to one skilled in the art when disclosed examples may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. For the sake of brevity, well-known features or processes may not be described in detail. In addition, like or identical reference numerals may be used to identify common or similar elements.

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features with an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , a chamois 100 may comprise a body 102 that comprises a front area 104 and a rear area 106. The front area 104 may have a narrower width than the rear area 106. Further, the front area may narrow in width from the rear to the front of the front area. The front area may comprise a front inlet. For example, the front area 104 may comprise a front inlet 108 that extends rearwards from the front of the front area 104.

The front inlet may also be defined by two front portions of the front area. For example, two front portions (112 and 114) may define a front inlet by extending forwards either side of a central axis. The rear area may also comprise a rear inlet. For example, the rear area 106 may comprise a rear inlet 110. The rear inlet 110 may be defined by two rear portions (116 and 118) that extend rearwards either side of the central axis. In some embodiments, the central axis may define an axis of symmetry for two symmetrically opposing halves of the chamois. In other embodiments, the two opposing halves of the chamois may be asymmetrical.

In certain embodiments, the angle at which the front portions extend forwards may be varied. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , it may be advantageous for the front portions 112 and 114 to extend forward parallel to one another. In other embodiments, it may be desirable for the front portions to extend forwards at angles that are not parallel to one another. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , front portions 212 and 214 may extend forwards at angles pointing toward one another. In other embodiments, the front portions may extend forward at angles pointing away from one another.

In certain embodiments, the shape or size of the front inlet may be varied. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , the front inlet 108 may be rectangular. In other embodiments, the front inlet may comprise other shapes and sizes. For example, the front inlet may be trapezoidal, semicircular, or triangular. Similarly, the shape or size of the rear inlet may be varied. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , the rear inlet 310 may be rectangular. As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the rear inlet 210 may be semicircular. Further, in other embodiments, the rear inlet may be other shapes, such as trapezoidal or triangular.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 4 , a chamois 400 may comprise a body 402 that comprises a rear portion 404 and two front arms 406 and 408. The front arms 406 and 408 may extend forwards either side of a central axis. In certain embodiments, the front arms may narrow in width from the rear to the front of the front arms. In some embodiments, the central axis may define an axis of symmetry for two symmetrically opposing halves of the chamois. In other embodiments, the two opposing halves of the chamois may be asymmetrical. The two front arms may further define a front inlet 410 that extends rearwards from the front of the body.

In certain embodiments, the rear portion may comprise a buttocks area. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5 , the rear portion 504 may comprise a buttocks area 512. In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 5 , the buttocks area 512 may be wider than the combined width of the two front arms 506 and 508 and the front inlet 510 that is defined by the two front arms 506 and 508. In other embodiments, the width of the buttocks area may be varied. For example, the buttocks area may be the same width as the combined width of the two front arms and the front inlet that is defined by the two front arms. In another embodiment, the buttocks area may be narrower than the combined width of the two front arms and the front inlet that is defined by the two front arms.

In certain embodiments, the angle at which the front arms extend forwards may be varied. For example, the front arms may extend forwards parallel to one another. In other embodiments, it may be desirable for the front arms to extend forward at angles that are not parallel to one another. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4 , it may be advantageous for the front arms 406 and 408 to extend forwards at angles pointing toward one another. In other embodiments, it may be advantageous for the front arms to extend forwards at angles pointing away from one another.

The chamois may be made from various types of materials depending on the particular application. For example, the chamois may be made from various foam or gel materials, including polyurethane foams. The choice of material may depend on a variety of factors. Particular riders may benefit (e.g., be more comfortable and be less likely to experience saddle sores) from particular types of materials due to certain properties, such as density and thickness of the material. For example, certain riders may benefit from a foam material that is dense, whereas other riders may benefit from a foam material that is less dense. Other riders may further benefit from a material that is a particular thickness.

In other embodiments, the chamois may further comprise one or more additional layers. Each layer may be made from various types of materials, such as foam or gel materials, including polyurethane foams. The addition of multiple layers is advantageous as it allows for further customizability of the properties of the chamois. For example, in certain embodiments the additional layers may all be identical (i.e., each of the additional layers may be made from material that is the same material type, thickness, and density). In other embodiments, the additional layers may differ from one another. For example, the additional layers may be made from the same general type of material (e.g., a certain foam material), but the additional layers may vary from each other in certain properties (e.g., density or thickness). In other embodiments, the additional layers may be made from different types of materials. For example, the layers may be made from different types of foam materials, or certain layers may be made from foam materials while other layers may be made from gel materials.

Further, when the additional layers differ from one another, the order of the layers in the chamois may be varied. For example, it may be advantageous for certain layers to be on the top of the chamois whereas it may be desirable for other types of layers to be positioned in the middle or the bottom of the chamois. The ability to vary the number, type, and ordering of the layers provides the advantage of additional customizability of the chamois.

The chamois as described in these various embodiments may further be sewn into a pair of cycling shorts. In such embodiments, the position of the chamois within the cycling shorts may be varied. For example, it may be advantageous for the chamois to be positioned forward in the cycling shorts. Placing the chamois forward in the cycling shorts puts the chamois in a position such that a substantial portion of the chamois rests underneath a rider's pressure points when a rider is riding with his or her hips rotated forward. In other words, placement of the chamois in a forward position is advantageous for riders that will ride in the aero position (e.g., triathletes who ride tri-bikes). It may be desirable to place the chamois in other positions depending on the intended type of bike and the position the rider will be riding in.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example prior art chamois 600. FIGS. 7 through 11 illustrate each chamois 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 from FIGS. 1-5 shown in relation to the example prior art chamois 600 to show the relative forward positioning of a chamois according to the present invention. For example, the position within a pair of cycling shorts of the chamois 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 may be 20-50 mm, or 30-40 mm, forward of where the prior art chamois 600 would be located. In other words, if a prior art chamois is sewn in to a pair of cycling shorts at a midpoint 650 of the cycling shorts, a chamois according to the present invention is sewn in to a pair of cycling shorts so that the chamois is located 20-50 mm, or 30-40 mm, forward of the midpoint 650. If a prior art chamois is sewn in to a pair of cycling shorts such that approximately half (50%) of the prior art chamois is forward of a midpoint 650 of the cycling shorts, a chamois according to the present invention may be sewn in to a pair of cycling shorts such that 55-95%, or 60-90%, or 65-85%, or 70-80%, or 75% of the chamois is located forward of the midpoint 650. This forward positioning of the chamois is particularly important for cyclists riding in the aero position (hips rotated) as it helps to prevent saddle sores when riding in the aero position.

The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein. 

1. A chamois for cycling shorts comprising: a body comprising a front area and a rear area; wherein the front area has a narrower width than the rear area; wherein the front area comprises a front inlet that extends rearwards from the front of the front area; wherein the front inlet is defined by two front portions of the front area that extend forwards either side of a central axis; wherein the rear area comprises a rear inlet that extends forwards from the rear of the rear area; and wherein the rear inlet is defined by two rear portions of the rear area that extend rearwards either side of the central axis.
 2. The chamois for cycling shorts of claim 1, wherein the front portions extend forward parallel to one another.
 3. The chamois for cycling shorts of claim 1, wherein the front portions extend forward at angles pointing toward one another.
 4. The chamois for cycling shorts of claim 1, wherein the central axis defines an axis of symmetry for two symmetrically opposing halves of the chamois.
 5. The chamois for cycling shorts of claim 1, wherein the chamois further comprises one or more additional layers.
 6. The chamois for cycling shorts of claim 1, wherein the chamois comprises a foam material.
 7. The chamois for cycling shorts of claim 1, wherein the front area narrows in width from rear to front of the front area.
 8. The chamois for cycling shorts of claim 1, wherein the chamois is sewn into a pair of cycling shorts.
 9. The chamois for cycling shorts of claim 8, wherein the chamois is positioned forward in the cycling shorts and wherein a substantial portion of the chamois rests underneath a rider's pressure points when in the aero riding position.
 10. A chamois for cycling shorts comprising: a body; wherein the body comprises a rear portion and two front arms that extend forwards either side of a central axis; and wherein the two front arms define a front inlet that extends rearwards from the front of the body.
 11. The chamois for cycling shorts of claim 10, wherein the front arms extend forward parallel to one another.
 12. The chamois for cycling shorts of claim 10, wherein the front arms extend forward at angles pointing toward one another.
 13. The chamois for cycling shorts of claim 10, wherein the central axis defines an axis of symmetry for two symmetrically opposing halves of the chamois.
 14. The chamois for cycling shorts of claim 10, wherein the chamois further comprises one or more additional layers.
 15. The chamois for cycling shorts of claim 10, wherein the chamois comprises a foam material.
 16. The chamois for cycling shorts of claim 10, wherein the front arms narrow in width from rear to front of the front arms.
 17. The chamois for cycling shorts of claim 10, wherein the chamois is sewn into a pair of cycling shorts.
 18. The chamois for cycling shorts of claim 17, wherein the chamois is positioned forward in the cycling shorts and wherein a substantial portion of the chamois rests underneath a rider's pressure points when in the aero riding position.
 19. The chamois for cycling shorts of claim 10, wherein the rear portion further comprises a buttocks area that is wider than the combined width of the two front arms and the inlet defined by the two front arms. 